In 2021, the founder of Rockbridge Area Transportation System (RATS), Joan Manley, needed to be transported by stretcher from her place of residence in Alleghany County to an outpatient appointment in Charlottesville, but RATS did not have the vehicle necessary to transport her. Based on that situation, RATS set out to develop non-emergent stretcher transport services in Rockbridge County. Despite extensive efforts and support from other community organizations – including Rockbridge County – RATS was denied liability coverage for non-emergent stretcher transport services and, as a result, became unable to provide the necessary service.

Therefore, in September 2022, Valley Area Stretcher Transport, Inc., was formed as the first nonprofit paratransit non-emergent stretcher transport service provider in the state of Virginia! VAST operates as its own entity (EIN: 88-4024468) and does not share business operations with RATS.